Caley Thistle’s Ross Draper feels fellow midfielder Greg Tansey has been influential in the Highlanders’ recent improvement but will respect whatever decision he makes on his future this summer.
Tansey is out of contract at the end of the season and has already turned down a new offer, with manager Richie Foran previously stating the Englishman is likely to depart.
The uncertainty has not affected the 28-year-old’s recent form, with Tansey netting three goals in his last seven games to help Caley Jags to move off the bottom of the Premiership.
Draper says Tansey, who is in his second spell at Caledonian Stadium, is well within his rights to delay on making a commitment on his future.
Draper said: “Greg is massive, especially the last couple of weeks when he’s played a little bit higher. We’ve switched a little bit and it means he can get forward and score goals because he’s deadly from 20 yards.
“He’s got that in his locker, so he’s a big player for us, especially in the last couple of months when we’ve picked up which have had a lot to do with him.
“It’s not for the boys to beg him to stay. The boys have battered him but not in a serious way. It’s what he needs to do for him and his family is the right thing.
“It’s not as if we are hovering around mid-table and safe and got nothing to play for and we’re thinking about next season.
“We’ve still got a lot to play for, so we can’t be thinking about other players’ commitment to the club. We need to get over the line and get the job done and see what happens in the summer when the manager and Brian Rice recruit.
“We’ve lost players in the past and if we lose Greg – and Josh Meekings is a similar situation – it’s the manager’s job to replace them as we have done in the past.”
Inverness have lost just one of their last six games, which came against champions-elect Celtic but Draper says the Highlanders must maintain their fine recent form in order to steer clear of the relegation zone.
Draper added: “The Hearts game was possibly the turning point. The 3-0 defeat at Hamilton a couple of games before that was a real eye-opener for everyone. That was our worst performance collectively all season and probably our worst performance since I came here.
“The manager came out and said a few words and and got the reaction he wanted against Hearts after we drew at home against Dundee.
“After drawing away to Hearts we beat Rangers and a point at Thistle. So, Hearts was probably the turning point. But it’s pointless doing it for three or four games. We need to do it for nine to get as many points as we can.”